West Mathias Bivouac

The place

Small, basic 2-bunk bivouac managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) in the Rangitata and Rakaia rivers area, Canterbury (South Island, New Zealand). Free access, no booking required. No DOC-marked track: independent navigation required with map, compass, and GPS. Possible unformed river crossings: assess conditions before any crossing, check NIWA flow data, river-crossing training recommended by Mountain Safety NZ.